Daily Current Affairs MCQ / UPSC 2020 / IAS / 24-12-19

Table of Contents

MCQ 1
Sectors taken into account by Good Governance Index

Environment
Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Social Welfare & Development
Citizen-Centric Governance
Economic Governance

Choose correct

4 & 5
3,4,5
all
None

The index was launched to assess the state of governance in the country.
The rankings were launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, and the Centre for Good Governance.
The objectives of GGI are to provide quantifiable data to compare the state of governance in all States and UTs.
It enables them to formulate and implement suitable strategies for improving governance and shift to result oriented approaches and administration.

It takes into account 10 sectors –

Agriculture and Allied Sectors,
Commerce & Industries,
Human Resource Development,
Public Health,
Public Infrastructure & Utilities,
Economic Governance,
Social Welfare & Development,
Judicial & Public Security,
Environment and
Citizen-Centric Governance.

The states and UTs are divided into three groups — big states, north-east & Hill states and UTs.
Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh topped among the ‘Big States’. Odisha, Bihar, Goa, and UP, are poor performers.
Among the North-East and Hill States, Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim are top performers.
J&K, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh are poor performers.
Puducherry is the best governed Union Territory followed by Chandigarh and Delhi. Lakshadweep is the worst performing UT.

MCQ 2

Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) is a Centrally Sponsered Scheme under the Ministry of Jal Shakt recently approved by the Cabinet.
It will promote panchayat led ground water management and behavioural change with primary focus on demand side management in all the states

Choose correct

Only 1
Only 2
Both
None

Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Jal Shakt recently approved by the Cabinet.
It will be implemented over a period of 5 years (2020-21 to 2024- 25).
It aims to improve ground water management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven
The states are Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

It will promote panchayat led ground water management and behavioural change with primary focus on demand side

It has two major components such as,

Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building Component
Incentive Component for the States

The total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore, 50% shall be in the form of World Bank loan and will be repaid by the Central
The remaining 50% shall be through Central assistance from regular budgetary support.

MCQ 3

The Rohtang tunnel connect Kashmir valley with Leh, Ladakh, will be known as Atal Tunnel.
It is the 8.8 km-long tunnel and it will be the world’s longest highway tunnel at an altitude of above 10,000 feet (3,000 metres).

Choose correct

Only 1
Only 2
Both
None

Rohtang Tunnel
The Rohtang tunnel connect Manali in Himachal Pradesh with Leh, Ladakh, and Jammu Kashmir, will be known as Atal Tunnel.
It is the 8 km-long tunnel and it will be the world’s longest highway tunnel at an altitude of above 10,000 feet (3,000 metres).
This strategic tunnel below the Rohtang pass is now nearing completion.
It cuts across the Pir Panjal range and provide all-weather connectivity to remote border areas of Himachal Pradesh and
It will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kilometres.
The Seri Nullah river threatened to derail the project by its massive flow of water that often went upto 140 litres per second.

MCQ 4

Jal Jeevan Mission is a Central Sector Scheme to provide Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024.
Ministries of urban & rural development are the nodal ministries.

Choose correct

Only 1
Only 2
Both
None

Jal Jeevan Mission

The mission is set to be operationalised with new guidelines released recently.
It aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024.
Jal Shakti Ministry is the nodal ministry for this mission.
The new guidelines will emphasise the critical role of the gram panchayat level to run and maintain the water supply system in their community and also bring in systems for water use charges.
Water is the State subject. Thus, the implementation has to be done through the States.
The fund sharing pattern to be 90:10 for Himalayan and North- Eastern States; 50:50 for other States and 100% for UTs.
For the implementation of JJM, following institutional arrangement has been proposed:

National Jal Jeevan Mission at the Central level;
State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) at State level;
District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) at district level; and
Gram Panchayat and/ or its sub-committees i.e. Village Water Sanitation Committee (VWSC)/ Paani Samiti at village Level.

The fund released by Central Government to the State Governments is to be deposited in one Single Nodal Account (SNA) that will be maintained by SWSM.
Public Finance Management System (PFMS) should be used for tracking the funds.

MCQ 5

Environment Education Awareness and Training (EEAT) is an established central sector scheme of the Environment Ministry since 1983-84.
Under the scheme, National Green Corps (NGC) ‘Ecoclub’ programme was initiated in 2001-2002 with the objective to impart knowledge to school children about their immediate environment, interactions within it and the problems therein.

Choose correct

Only 1
Only 2
Both
None

Ecoclub Programme

Environment Education Awareness and Training (EEAT) is an established central sector scheme of the Environment Ministry since 1983-84.
It aims to promote environmental awareness and mobilize student’s participation for environment conservation.
Under the scheme, National Green Corps (NGC) ‘Ecoclub’ programme was initiated in 2001-2002 with the objective to impart knowledge to school children about their immediate environment, interactions within it and the problems therein.
It aims to inculcate proper attitude towards environment and sensitize children on issues related to environment and
In a first, Annual Meet of the State Nodal Agencies implementing the Ecoclub organized by the Environment Ministry was held in Kevadia, Gujarat.

MCQ 6

A solar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the Moon, Sun and the Earth are placed at a 90 degree triangular position
ring of fire phenomenon is related with Total Solar Eclipse

Choose correct

Only 1
Only 2
Both
None

A solar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the moon comes in the way of the sun’s light.
The moon’s shadow casts itself on Earth, blocking out the sun’s light (as seen from Earth).
The moon’s shadow has two parts: a central region (umbra) and an outer region (penumbra).
Depending upon which part of the shadow passes over the Earth, one of three types of solar eclipses could be observed:
Total Solar Eclipse- The entire central portion of the sun is blocked out by the moon.
Partial Solar Eclipse- Only part of the sun’s surface is blocked out.
Annular Solar Eclipse- The sun is covered in such a way that only a small ring-like sliver of light is seen from the sun’s disc. This ring is known as the ring of fire.
An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farthest from
As the moon is farther away from Earth, it seems smaller and is unable to block the entire view of the sun, because of which the ring-like structure could be observed.

Eclipse Magnitude
Eclipse magnitude is the fraction of the Sun’s diameter which is covered by the Moon.
It is strictly a ratio of diameters and should not be confused with eclipse obscuration, which is a measure of the Sun’s surface area covered by the Moon.
Eclipse magnitude may be expressed as either a percentage or a decimal fraction (e.g., 50% or 0.50).
By convention, its value is given at the instant of greatest eclipse.

MCQ 7

Saptamatrika Inscription is related to buddhism
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered the earliest Sanskrit inscription issued by Kaktiya King Vijaya in 207 A.D. in South India.

Choose correct

Only 1
Only 2
Both
None

Saptamatrika Inscription
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered the earliest Sanskrit inscription issued by Satavahana King Vijaya in 207 A.D. in South India.
It is an earliest epigraphic evidence for the Saptamatrika
So far the Nagarjunakonda inscription of Ikshavaku king Ehavala Chantamula issued in the 4th century A.D. was considered the earliest Sanskrit inscription in South India.
Saptamatrikas are a group of seven female deities worshipped in Hinduism as personifying the energy of their respective consorts.
Another inscription in Prakrit language and of Brahmi characters belonging to the 1st century A.D. was also found.
The found inscription records the construction of a Prasada (temple), a mandapa and consecration of images by a person named Kartika at the temple of Goddess Saptamatrika at Tambrape.
Tambrape is the ancient name of Chebrolou, Andhra Pradesh.
Earlier references to Saptamatrika worship have been found in the early Kadamba copper plates and the early Chalukyas and Eastern Chalukya copper plates dated around 600 A.D.
All the available records proved that the found inscription (also known as Chebrolu inscription) is in Sanskrit and in Brahmi
Satavahanas
In the Deccan, the Satavahanas established their independent rule after the decline of the Mauryas. Their rule lasted for about 450 years.
They were also known as the Andhras.
The Puranas and the Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions remain important sources for the history of Satavahanas.
The founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka.
The greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra Satakarni.
There was remarkable progress in the fields of trade and industry during the Satavahana rule.
The greatest port of the Satavahanas was Kalyani on the western Deccan and Gandakasela, Ganjam on the east coast were the other important seaports.
The Satavahanas patronized Buddhism and Brahmanism. Brahmanism was revived by the Satavahanas along with the performance of asvamedha and rajasuya sacrifices.
They also patronized the Prakrit language and literature.

MCQ 8
Choose correct statements about Swadesh Darshan Scheme

100% centrally funded for the project components undertaken for public funding.
To leverage the voluntary funding available for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector.
Funding of individual project will vary from state to state and will be finalised on the basis of detailed project reports prepared by PMC (Programme Management Consultant).

Choose Correct

1 only
2 & 3
All
None

The Cabinet approves the release of funds for 10 projects of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme sanctioned in 2018-19.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

Tourism Ministry launched the scheme in 2015.
Objective – to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
These tourist circuits will be developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.
Under the Scheme 15 circuits have been identified for development namely Himalayan Circuit, North East Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Buddhist Circuit and Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Tirthankar Circuit and Sufi Circuit.

Features of Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

100% centrally funded for the project components undertaken for public funding.
To leverage the voluntary funding available for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector.
Funding of individual project will vary from state to state and will be finalised on the basis of detailed project reports prepared by PMC (Programme Management Consultant).
PMC will be a national level consultant to be appointed by the Mission Directorate.
A National Steering Committee (NSC)will be constituted with Minister in charge of M/O Tourism as Chairman, to steer the mission objectives and vision of the scheme.
A Mission Directorate headed by the Member Secretary, NSC as a nodal officer will help in identification of projects in consultation with the States/ UTs governments and other stake holders.

MCQ 9

Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
It was Established by the Treaty of Bern of 1874.

Choose correct

Only 1
Only 2
Both
None

The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the ratification of the Tenth Additional Protocol to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

What is UPU?

Established by the Treaty of Bern of 1874.
It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
Headquarters are located in Bern, Switzerland.
The UPU contains four bodies consisting of the Congress, the Council of Administration (CA), the Postal Operations Council (POC) and the International Bureau (IB).

Functions:

It also oversees the Telematics and Express Mail Service (EMS) Each member agrees to the same terms for conducting international postal duties.
It coordinates postal policies among member nations, in addition to the worldwide postal system.

Benefits of ratification for India:

The approval enables the Postal Administration of India to have the Instrument of Ratification signed with the Director-General of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union through diplomatic channels along with the approval of other Acts of the
It will also enable the Department of Posts to bring out any administrative orders to implement the provisions of the UPU Convention in India.

MCQ 10
Arrange chronologically

Saddler commission
Macauley’s minutes
Hartog committee
Sargent Scheme

Choose correct

4,1,2,3
1,2,3,4
1,3,2,4
2,1,3,4

Macaulay’s “Minute Upon Indian Education“1835

Macaulay argued that support for the publication of books in Sanskrit and Arabic should be withdrawn, support for traditional education should be reduced to funding for the Madrassa at Delhi and the Hindu College at Benares, but students should no longer be paid to study at these
The money released by these steps should instead go to fund education in Western subjects, with English as the language of instruction
In 1917 the Government appointed the Calcutta University Commission to study and report on the problem of university education.
The commission is also known as the Sadler Commission after the name of its chairman Dr. Michael E. Sadler
The other members of the Commission were Dr. Gregory, Ramsay Muir, Sir Hartog, Dr. Horniel, Dr. Zia Uddin Ahmed and Sir Asutosh Mukerji.

Hartog Committee (1929)

Sir Philip Joseph Hartog committee was appointed by the British Indian government to survey on the growth of education in India.
The Hartog committee on education submitted its report in
The Hartog committee 1929, had devoted more attention to mass education than the secondary and University
Report of the Sargent Commission on Post-War Education Development in India, was a 1944 memorandum prepared at the behest of the British-run Government of India that outlined the future development of literacy and education in India.
A central goal of the Sargent Scheme was the educational reconstruction of India.
It recommended the introduction of free and compulsory education for all Indian children in the 6-11 years age group.
The plan aimed to bring about universal literacy in India within 40 years of its introduction, i.e. by 1984.